Damascus, Jan. 29 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday held talks with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on a proposed national drought management program, including the formation of a national task force bringing together relevant authorities.
During the meeting at the ministry, Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr underscored the need to strengthen coordination among government institutions and expand partnerships with international organizations, particularly the FAO, to address drought challenges.
Badr said efforts should focus on developing a practical national strategy that includes water resources management, water harvesting, and the development of early warning systems, in addition to forming a supreme committee to oversee drought management.
FAO representatives said the program would be implemented in two phases to support countries in combating drought and desertification and to build national capacities. They stressed the importance of Syria joining the program and outlined its stages and funding mechanisms.
Syria experienced one of its worst droughts in decades during 2025, threatening livelihoods and natural resources and significantly affecting agricultural production. The situation prompted calls for a comprehensive national response, in cooperation with international and UN organizations, to mitigate the impacts and repercussions of drought.
In March, the FAO issued a warning on the worsening drought conditions and began implementing emergency interventions to support wheat farmers and livestock breeders, alongside efforts to strengthen early warning systems and proactive measures aimed at anticipating disasters and reducing their effects before they occur.
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